Struvite Crystals In Dogs Causes
Struvite crystals prevail in dogs and do not cause problems until they unite to form stones that interfere with urination.
Struvite crystals in dogs causes. Struvite crystals can form in your dog s bladder or kidneys after he suffers a urinary tract infection caused by one of two types of bacteria. For instance struvite crystals are managed by making the urine more acidic. Crystals in dog s urine are a normal part of your dog s metabolism. If your dog was diagnosed with struvite stones you may be wondering what dietary foods for dogs with struvite crystals and stones are out there.
One of the more common bladder stones found in dogs is composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate also known as struvite stones. A large part of therapy for struvite crystals in dogs is the diet. Being composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate struvite stones require a different treatment compared to other types of bladder stones in dogs. In some cases this requires adjusting the ph of your dog s urine.
So keeping your pet s urine slightly acidic by feeding him. The crystals composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate become a problem only if your dog contracts a urinary tract infection. They cannot form in acidic urine. Normally this occurs only when the dog has a urinary tract infection.
Struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection caused by bacteria and if the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated and acidic. Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to producing a certain type of protein called auxin. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are hematuria and dysuria. Struvite stones are quite unique in their composition.
If left untreated struvite crystals can form stones that can make it impossible for your dog to urinate which can become a life threatening condition. However according to veterinarians at the marva vista animal clinic in los angeles struvite crystals require an alkaline ph in order to form. They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur. Struvite stones are one of the most common bladder stones in dogs and cats.
Here is a breakdown of genetic predisposition for different dog breeds. However according to veterinarians crystals require an alkaline ph in order to form. However crystals can form blockages and lead to stones. They cannot form in acidic urine.
They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur. The changes caused in the crystals by a staphylococcal or proteus infection from the gastrointestinal tract results in the formation of struvite bladder stones which can cause the dog discomfort. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs medical treatment. Struvite magnesium ammonium phosphate or triple phosphate crystals in polarized light overall zoom 112x.
If your dog is suffering from this urinary tract stones condtion this article explains in detail the basics of diet for dogs.